Chocolate cinnamon babka

Indulge in the irresistible combination of chocolate and cinnamon with this delectable Chocolate Cinnamon Babka. This sweet and rich yeast-based bread is swirled with a luscious chocolate and cinnamon filling, making it a perfect treat for breakfast or dessert. With its beautiful twisted shape and heavenly flavors, this babka is sure to impress and satisfy your cravings.

Ingredients: For the dough:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup milk, lukewarm
• 1/4 cup water, lukewarm
• 2 large eggs

For the filling:

• 3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

For the streusel topping (optional):

• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cubed

Instructions:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, yeast, and salt. Mix well.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, lukewarm milk, lukewarm water, and eggs.
• Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the wet mixture. Stir until a dough forms.
• Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, or until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
• Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
• Meanwhile, prepare the filling. In a medium bowl, mix together the chocolate chips, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, and ground cinnamon.
• Punch down the risen dough and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a large rectangle, about 12x16 inches.
• Brush the melted butter evenly over the rolled-out dough. Sprinkle the filling mixture over the buttered surface, making sure to cover the entire area.
• Starting from one of the longer edges, tightly roll up the dough into a log shape.
• Carefully transfer the rolled dough to a greased or parchment-lined loaf pan. If desired, prepare the streusel topping by mixing the flour and sugar together, then cutting in the cold cubed butter until crumbly. Sprinkle the streusel over the babka.
• Cover the loaf pan with a kitchen towel and let the babka rise for another 30-45 minutes.
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the babka for about 40-45 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. If the top is browning too quickly, you can cover it loosely with foil.
• Remove the babka from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
• Once cooled, slice and serve the delicious Chocolate Cinnamon Babka. It can be enjoyed on its own or served with a cup of coffee or tea.

Conclusion: 

This Chocolate Cinnamon Babka is a delightful and indulgent treat that combines the rich flavors of chocolate and cinnamon in a beautifully twisted bread.